The retail landscape is undergoing a digital transformation, with QR codes emerging as a powerful alternative to traditional barcodes.

Jess Grisolia, Industry Solutions Director for Retail at Scandit, highlights this shift: "QR codes provide retailers with much more than just a product identifier. They encode additional data like inventory information, supply chain details, and promotional content."

This expanded functionality makes them a valuable tool for enhancing inventory management and customer engagement.

Traditional barcodes, such as UPCs, have long dominated checkout processes due to their simplicity. However, as Grisolia explains, QR codes' ability to carry more information is driving their adoption in broader retail contexts.

"While traditional barcodes suffice for basic tasks, QR codes allow for richer interactions, such as offering promotional discounts or displaying product reviews directly to the customer."

This added capability aligns with retailers' increasing focus on personalisation and efficiency.

Smart data capture revolutionises retail operations

Beyond QR codes, smart data capture technologies are streamlining operations and elevating customer experiences.

Scandit’s solutions allow retailers to use smartphones or other smart devices to scan not only barcodes but also objects, text, and QR codes, eliminating the need for specialised equipment.

"This shift reduces costs while enhancing workflows, enabling real-time insights for inventory checks, stock replenishment, and order picking," says Grisolia.

Retailers are also integrating Scandit’s technology into mobile apps, enabling self-scanning. "Customers can scan items, compare prices, and complete transactions independently," Grisolia explains.

These innovations mimic the convenience of e-commerce, helping brick-and-mortar stores stay competitive. Scandit's augmented reality (AR) features further enhance the experience, overlaying information like personalised promotions to assist shoppers.

These technologies are already being implemented by leading retailers, transforming the in-store experience. From reducing queue times to improving stock management, smart data capture delivers measurable benefits such as cost savings and increased operational efficiency.

The future: multi-modal and AI-driven data capture

Looking ahead, Grisolia envisions a retail world where multi-modal data capture takes centre stage. "Future solutions will integrate data from QR codes, RFID, text, and AI-powered object recognition to provide a comprehensive understanding of store environments," she predicts.

One emerging application is AI-driven shelf intelligence, which monitors stock levels and compliance with planograms. This technology reduces manual labour, allowing store associates to focus on customer interactions.

Such advancements promise to create a seamless and frictionless shopping experience. As Grisolia emphasises, "The future of retail lies in integrating various data sources to enhance store operations and deliver a personalised customer journey."

By embracing QR codes and leveraging smart data capture, retailers can unlock new opportunities for efficiency and engagement, paving the way for a more dynamic and responsive retail environment.